Djerba is an island paradise in Africa. I know what you’re thinking, what in the world is Sam talking about?! I’m not kidding guys! Djerba is a small island on the southeastern coast of Tunisia and it is a little treasure in the Mediterranean Sea. I would best describe Djerba as a mix between Morocco and Greece: imagine white-washed towns draped in bougainvilleas with an Arabic influence.
You’ve probably have never heard of this place and it’s likely that Tunisia is not a country on the top of your bucket list, but I’m about to change that for you in this travel guide! Djerba is a small haven for turquoise beaches, charming villages, a touch of history and lots of delicious food! This island is perfect for a short weekend getaway or a week-long retreat.
If you’re planning a trip to Tunisia, check out my guide on How to Visit the Sahara Oases in Tunisia
HOW TO GET TO DJERBA
Djerba is a small island, but you’re in luck… the island has an international airport that services flights both to and from Europe and the capital city, Tunis. If you’re coming from overseas, it’s likely you will need to connect before you arrive in Djerba.
Once on the island, you can grab a taxi or hire a private driver with your accommodation to get from town to town. Make sure to check with your host on typical rates from point A to point B and to bargain for a pre-negotiated price with the driver before you start your journey.
WHAT TO DO IN DJERBA
DISCOVER HOUMT SOUK
Houmt Souk is the “neighborhood market” and the largest town on the island. It is a more touristic spot, but there are some great local shops in the souk and the streets here totally reminded me of Greece (& were ohhhhh so photogenic!) After some browsing and a few photo stops, grab an authentic Tunisian lunch at Restaurant Essofra.
GO ON A BEACHSIDE CARAVAN
Camels on the beach? In Djerba, this is a very common sight to see! I’ve seen my fair share of camels in the desert, but never on a crystal clear beach in the Mediterranean Sea!
Djerba has several beaches, but some of the best beaches are on the northeast coast in the “zone touristique”. These beaches are privately owned by resorts and cater to tourists, meaning that the beaches are cleaner, water sports are easily accessible and camel caravans are casually roaming up and down the beach if you fancy a ride.
WATCH THE SUNSET
Djerba has some of the most gorgeous sunsets. Find a good spot on the shallow waters and watch the sunset reflect over the horizon! The colors of the sunset are UNREAL here.
EXPLORE ERRIADAH
Erriadah is a small village located towards the center of the island. This village is the cultural soul of Djerba and the streets here are absolutely charming (just take a look at my photos below and you will be convinced!)
Djerba is historically known for its religious tolerance and multiculturalism in Tunisia and Erriadah is the best symbol of this: the town has both a synagogue and a mosque that shows the friendly relationship between the two cultures here on the island. Visit the Synagogue de la Ghriba, roam the streets and grab a bite to eat at my favorite restaurant in Djerba, La Placette.
HUNT FOR STREET ART IN DJERBAHOOD
Erriadah is also home to Tunisia’s finest street art. Djerbahood was a concept that was developed in this village to showcase street art from artists around the world. There are so many beautiful masterpieces painted on the walls of the town, so grab your camera and hunt them down throughout the winding alleyways.
LEARN SOME HISTORY AT THE GHAZI MUSTAPHA TOWER
The Ghazi Mustapha Tower is an ancient castle located on the coast nearby Houmt Souk. This castle was built at the end of the 14th century on ancient Roman Ruins. It was occupied by several different ruling kingdoms and it is now a museum open to the public.
ESCAPE TO THE WEST END
There aren’t many tourists on the west end of the island, but it’s an amazing trek. The Djerba locals told me that the beaches were better on this side of the island, so I decided to check it out for myself… and they were right! The beaches here are calm and crystal-clear, plus there are no tourists in sight! Take your driver for the day to explore the different beaches on this side of the island and have fresh lunch on the beach at Le Petit Marin.
SHOP THE SOUKS
For me, it’s not a trip without a visit to the local souks! I love picking up handmade rattan bags, leather slippers, pottery and embroidered cushions when I’m travelling in Tunisia. There are small shops in every town, but my favorite souks were in Houmt Souk and Erriadah.
GO ON A PIRATE SHIP CRUISE
Sadly, I did not have time to go on a pirate ship cruise, but this is an activity that is very popular among tourists on the island. The pirate ships depart from Houmt Souk and take you on a day trip to spot dolphins and relax on the beach at the Island of Flamingos. If you’re wanting to spot some wildlife and experience some festive entertainment, this is a trip for you!
WHERE TO STAY
DAR BIBINE
During my time in Djerba, I decided to stay at Dar Bibine in Erriadah. Erriadah is centrally located on the island, which makes it the perfect home-base to explore (& it is by far the most charming town in Djerba!) Dar Bibine is all about the aesthetics… it is the perfect blend of a laid-back Mediterranean escape with an Arabic flair. The minimalist decor is well-curated and the hosts are helpful and welcoming!
OTHER TOP PICKS TO STAY:
WHERE TO EAT & DRINK
Tunisian food is absolutely delicious and its a wonderful blend of Mediterranean flavors with traditional Northern African spices and specialties. You can’t go wrong a good meat and veggie couscous or a slow-cooked tagine! I’ve picked out some of my favorite restaurants across the island for you:
HOUMT SOUK
ERRIDAH
EAST END
WEST END
TRAVEL TIPS
Djerba is not a huge tourist destination yet, so let me give you the DL. This small island is off the coast of southern Tunisia in northern Africa known for its Mediterranean beaches and coastal towns. The island has a long historical background of multiculturalism and tolerance with a blend of Berber, Arab, Jewish and African culture.
The main language on the island is Arabic, although French is also widely spoken. Cash is king, so make sure to bring bills with you to exchange with your accommodation host or map out the closest ATM’s to use with your international debit card. The currency here is the Tunisian dinar.
The weather can get very hot, so make sure you come prepared with sunscreen and drink plenty of fluids! Also remember that Djerba has a majority-Islamic population, so dress relatively modest at the beach and when walking around town.
Djerba is a safe place to visit and I did not experience any unpleasant circumstances while traveling here, but make sure to always stay alert as Djerba is not too far from the Libyan border.
WHAT TO WEAR
I love dressing for the destination, so I was alllll about finding Bohemian pieces that were cool, comfortable and didn’t show too much skin. If you’re traveling to Tunisia, make sure to pack light-weight fabrics that breathe and can protect you from the intensity of the desert sun.
CHECK OUT SOME OF MY TOP STYLE PICKS:
